Michael Clarke signs new bat-deal

Australian skipper Michael Clarke has signed a three-year bat sponsorship deal and the new bat has been manufactured in a factory in Jalandhar, a North India city.

Clarke, who won the toss and elected to bat in the Adelaide Test on Tuesday, came out to bat with a new logo-- MC 329.

Clarke signed the deal on Monday night with Spartan Sporting Goods company, based in Wollongong, south of Sydney.

According to a report, the contract deal figure is in "high-six figures".

"Spartan cricket consultant Ian Davis, a former Test opening bat, who also played Sheffield Shield for both NSW and Queensland, had been in talks with Clarke's manager, James Erskine since the Australian skipper, thrashed the Indian attack for 329," The Australian

reported.

Clarke had been without a bat deal since his contract with previous bat supplier Dunlop Slazenger declined to renew it's contract when it expired on December 31.

"The MC 329

is made from quality sourced English willow and made in our factory in Jalandhar in northern India," Davis said.

"It isn't a heavy bat, probably mid-range. The bat also features unique markings and we plan to roll out the full range of MC 329